Teenager Forgives Father Who Sexually Abused Her

Newsroom

Posted on September 29, 2016
by Amy Taeuber

A teenager who was sexually abused by her 54-year-old father has told a court she has forgiven him for his crime. In a victim impact statement presented to the Victoria County Court in Melbourne, the teen revealed she plans to visit her father in prison and even wants him at her wedding.

The County Court judge described the statement as unique.

'Forgiveness is an all-too-rare commodity in the society we live in,' the judge said.

'Not only has your daughter forgiven you, but she has expressed a desire to visit you in custody and details that if she ever gets married you will be able to attend her wedding,’ he continued.

The man who can not be named for legal reasons, abused the teen for over three years, between 2008 and 2012. The girl was only 10 when the abuse began.

Her father pleaded guilty to incest and indecent assault. He was sentenced to five years prison but will only serve two years and 10 months before being eligible for parole.